How the KSE Tandem Pump Powers Your Race Car

In the world of high-performance racing, every component matters. Efficiency, power, and reliability are not just goals; they are necessities. The KSE Tandem Pump stands out as a critical piece of equipment designed to meet these demanding needs. It combines a high-performance power steering pump and a fuel pump into a single, compact unit. This integrated design offers a streamlined solution for serious racers.

This post will explore the inner workings of the KSE Tandem Pump. We will break down its dual-functionality, explore its innovative design, and explain why it has become a race-proven favorite. You will learn about its technical specifications, installation requirements, and the significant advantages it brings to a racing setup.

The Dual-Functionality Advantage

At its core, the KSE Tandem Pump is an engineering solution that addresses two vital systems with one device. It brilliantly integrates a power steering pump and a fuel pump, which operate from a single driveshaft. This all-in-one approach provides several key benefits for a racing vehicle.

First, it saves space and reduces weight. In a race car, where every ounce and inch can impact performance, consolidating two major components into one is a significant advantage. This also simplifies the engine bay, making maintenance and adjustments more manageable.

Second, it enhances efficiency. By running both pumps off a single shaft, you streamline the mechanical load on the engine. The pump is available in both belt drive and direct drive versions, allowing for flexible installation to suit different engine configurations.

Under the Hood: The Gerotor-Style Design

The KSE Tandem Pump utilizes a gerotor-style positive displacement mechanism for both its power steering and fuel sections. This design is known for its high efficiency, durability, and ability to produce a smooth, consistent flow.

A gerotor consists of an inner and outer rotor. The inner rotor has one less tooth than the outer rotor and spins off-center within it. As they rotate, the volume between the teeth of the rotors continuously changes. This action pulls fluid in on the suction side and pushes it out on the pressure side, creating a positive and non-pulsating flow. This smooth operation is critical for both consistent fuel delivery to the carburetor and responsive power steering control.

Built for the Track: Key Technical Features

KSE designed the Tandem Pump with the extreme conditions of racing in mind. Several technical features set it apart and contribute to its reliable, high-level performance.

Operating Speed and Efficiency

For optimal performance, the Tandem Pump is engineered to operate at half (50%) of the engine's RPM. This specific speed ratio ensures that both the power steering and fuel systems receive the correct flow rate across the engine's entire power band. Achieving this ratio is typically done through the pulley system, for example, by using a 20-tooth pulley on the crankshaft and a 40-tooth pulley on the pump. Straying from this recommended speed can negatively affect the pump's output and overall performance.

Smart Heat Management

Heat is an engine's enemy, and KSE addresses this head-on. The Tandem Pump includes a phenolic insulator plate positioned between the power steering and fuel pump sections. Phenolic material has very low thermal conductivity, meaning it acts as a barrier to stop heat from transferring from one section to the other. This is crucial for maintaining fuel integrity, as it helps keep the fuel cooler than many standalone fuel pump systems, preventing vapor lock and ensuring consistent fuel density.

Tunable Fuel Pressure

One of the pump's most racer-friendly features is its adjustable fuel pressure system. The fuel section contains an integral bypass system that uses a spring, a poppet, and an adjustable pill orifice. The spring and poppet control the idle pressure, which is typically set between 2-4 psi.

The maximum fuel pressure, which is critical under load, is controlled by the size of the pill orifice. The pump comes with a factory-installed .160 pill, which sets most alcohol applications to a max pressure of 8-10 psi. To raise the maximum pressure, you decrease the pill size; to lower it, you increase the pill size. This allows for precise tuning based on fuel type and engine requirements. For instance, gasoline applications generally require less fuel flow and might start with a larger .220 pill orifice for a max pressure of 6-9 psi.

Fuel Compatibility and Racing Applications

The KSE Tandem Pump is built to handle the demands of different racing fuels. It is fully compatible with both alcohol and gasoline, making it a versatile choice for various racing classes. The robust construction and materials can withstand the corrosive nature of alcohol fuels, while the adjustable pressure system makes it easy to switch and tune for gasoline.

Its race-proven design has made it a staple in sprint cars, midgets, and other forms of motorsports where high performance and unwavering reliability are paramount. The consistent flow from the gerotor design ensures the engine is never starved for fuel at high RPMs and that the steering is always responsive when making critical maneuvers on the track.

Proper Installation for Peak Performance

To get the most out of your KSE Tandem Pump, proper installation is non-negotiable. The process begins with ensuring all plumbing components are impeccably clean and free from contaminants.

Plumbing and Hoses

All hoses and fittings should be flushed with a clean solvent and dried before assembly. The suction lines for both the power steering reservoir and the fuel tank should be a minimum of #10 (3/4” ID) and rated for vacuum to prevent collapse. The power steering pressure line must be rated for at least 2000 psi working pressure. It is also critical to use a vented power steering fluid reservoir to prevent seal failure from pressure buildup.

Start-Up and Priming

Never run the Tandem Pump dry, as this will cause immediate damage. The start-up process involves carefully priming both the power steering and fuel sections. Loosen the inlet lines at the pump until fluid appears, then retighten them. This ensures fluid is present before the engine is started.

After starting the engine, check for fuel pressure and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to purge any remaining air from the power steering system. This air-purging process is vital for achieving maximum steering performance.

The Winning Edge with a KSE Tandem Pump

A key aspect of the KSE Tandem Pump’s performance is how seamlessly it integrates with the engine. The pump is mechanically driven by the engine, typically via a dedicated HTD pulley and belt setup. It is engineered to operate at exactly 50% of engine RPM—a ratio achieved by carefully matching the pulley sizes, such as using a 20-tooth pulley on the crankshaft and a 40-tooth pulley on the pump. This speed ensures both the fuel and power steering systems receive optimal flow, regardless of engine speed.

By running both the fuel and power steering pumps from a single shaft, the KSE Tandem Pump reduces mechanical drag compared to running two separate pumps. This integration not only saves space and simplifies the engine bay but also makes the system more efficient, channeling more of the engine’s power directly into driving performance rather than accessory losses. The pump’s consistent flow delivery, tuned specifically to the engine’s RPM, helps maintain stable fuel pressure and steering response even under the most demanding race conditions. As a result, your vehicle benefits from smoother performance, sharper steering feel, and reliable fuel delivery at every point on the track.

Furthermore, its smart features, like the phenolic heat insulator and tunable fuel pressure system, provide the durability and adaptability that modern racing demands. By combining two critical functions into one robust, race-proven unit, the KSE Tandem Pump delivers the performance, reliability, and engineering excellence needed to cross the finish line first.

Frequently Asked Questions: KSE Tandem Pump

Q: Is the KSE Tandem Pump compatible with both gasoline and alcohol fuels?
A: Yes, the pump is engineered to work with both fuel types. It features adjustable pressure settings for fine-tuning performance based on your racing application.

Q: What are the key installation requirements?
A: Use only clean, contamination-free hoses and fittings. The pump must be mounted with HTD pulleys (not serpentine or V-belts), and lines should be correctly sized and rated for pressure. Follow the recommended start-up procedure to prevent running the pump dry.

Q: How should I maintain the pump for optimal performance?
A: Regularly check and replace fluids, flush all lines before installation, and use only compatible power steering fluid and fuels. Never let either section (fuel or steering) run dry, and inspect for leaks or wear after each race.

Q: Can the pump pressure be adjusted?
A: Yes, the fuel section includes an adjustable bypass system and pill orifice for setting both idle and maximum pressure, making it easy to tailor pump output for your engine and fuel type.

Q: What vehicles or racing classes is the KSE Tandem Pump suited for?
A: It is race-proven in sprint cars, dirt late models, dirt modifieds, and a variety of other high-performance racing vehicles that require reliable fuel and steering solutions in a compact package.